Reflections of upper extremity performance in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis on exercise capacity, clinical status, and quality of life.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Clinical assessments in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) typically emphasize lower extremities; however, upper extremity performance may also influence clinical status, daily functioning, and quality of life. This study aimed to examine the relationship between upper extremity performance and exercise capacity, clinical status, and quality of life. METHODS: IPF patients underwent 6-minute pegboard and ring test (6PBRT), Unsupported Upper Extremity Exercise Test (UULEX), 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT), 1-Minute Sit-to-Stand Test (1MSTST), Modified Medical Research Council Dyspnea Scale (mMRC), Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS), London Chest Activities of Daily Living Scale (LCADL), and St. George Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ). RESULTS: Moderate correlation was found between 6PBRT and 6MWT (r=0.516, p=0.017), 1MSTST (r=0.612, p=0.003), and UULEX (r=0.614, p=0.003). Negative correlations were observed between 6PBRT and mMRC (r=-0.482, p=0.027), GAP Index (r=-0.453, p=0.039), and LCADL-Leisure (r=-0.519, p=0.016). In multiple linear regression analysis, 6MWT distance and GAP Index explained 30% of the variance in 6PBRT (R²=0.303, p=0.039). Additionally, UULEX was negatively correlated with mMRC, FSS, LCADL, and SGRQ scores. CONCLUSIONS: The 6PBRT shows moderate associations with lower extremity performance and cardiopulmonary capacity, supporting its use in assessing upper extremity function in IPF patients. Clinically, 6PBRT and UULEX may complement lower extremity tests in comprehensive IPF assessment.